AEW Double or Nothing 2020: 5 stars who could join the Casino Ladder Match
5. Kip Sabian (w/ Penelope Ford)
I’ve written before that Sabian (and Ford) has massive breakout potential. If AEW goes the route of being able to invoke the contract at any time, then the cowardly heel who is feelin’ himself a little too much at ALL times would be the perfect genesis of his star-making turn.
Particularly with Sabian, teasing a cash-in only for him to be thwarted or forced to retreat would help build anticipation for what could be a successful attempt. If worked well enough, the fans could hope for Sabian to win the championship as the payoff even as they continue to boo his heel act.
In a way, this is similar to the playbook for Seth Rollins’ victory at WrestleMania Play Button (31), which WWE named as their greatest Money in the Bank moment (even though it didn’t happen at Money in the Bank). Most of the crowd erupted, but then went right back to booing Rollins on RAW.
Imagine Sabian, after at least six months of holding onto that opportunity, pulling off a heist of his own and snatching the World Championship away from a beloved character like current champion Jon Moxley. Not only would his profile and star power rise exponentially, it gives fans even more reason to despise him for taking the title from their World Champion.
The juicier angle necessitates strong storytelling. Let’s say Cody somehow earns a World Championship match either by Moxley waiving the clause (and his character totally would do this) or by winning so many matches it wouldn’t justify denying him. Come Revolution 2021, Cody could be scheduled in a singles match against the champion in what should be a highly anticipated match…
…only for Sabian to run-in like Rollins and snatch the title away from Cody’s grasp again. Not only does this delay Cody’s inevitable championship victory (and fend off allegations of booking himself too strong), it would rekindle the Sabian-Cody feud.
The only difference is this time, it would be over the AEW World Championship and Cody seeking revenge on Sabian. I imagine Sabian would be even more smarmy, arrogant, and cowardly as champion, and can only imagine what antics Ford would do to ensure Sabian keeps the title.
This could also help elevate Ford, who herself was named in last week’s video on the women’s division as one to watch as a challenger for Women’s Champion Nyla Rose. If Sabian and Ford (The Fordians, I like to say) are both champions simultaneously, oh how much heat they would receive!
It would be offset a little because they can both go in the ring, but regardless, Sabian winning the ladder match could be the beginning of his run to the top of the card.
If not, his inclusion in the match does raise his status since he’d be one step away from a World Championship match. He would also bring another quick, athletic body to complement Allin.